May we stipulate that 2013 has been a flat-out, stone-cold, hands-down spectacular year in movies?

Which means that many of us are frustrated. After all, the average filmgoer only sees about six films a year. This is being written at a time when there are at least 10 must-see movies in theaters, not to mention titles that are stacking up in our on-demand queues like backed-up shuttle flights circling the airport.

And guess what: There are more on the way. Even with names like Soderbergh, Spielberg and Lucas decrying the current state of cinema in recent months, it's still easy to choose 10 movies of exceptional ambition, vision and artistic sensitivity — so easy that we decided to expand the list to a lucky 21. And that's leaving out such standouts as “Blue Jasmine,” “Before Midnight,” “Rush,” “Short Term 12,” “20 Feet From Stardom” and “Frozen” — to name only a few.

With such above-average fare to choose from, filmgoers may want to adjust their averages, too.

Top movies of 2013

1. “12 Years a Slave”

Steve McQueen's stately, searing drama invited viewers to inhabit a chapter of American history by way of galvanizing performances, visual poetry and unforgettable moments.

2. “Inside Llewyn Davis” (opening Dec. 20)

This sepia-toned evocation of 1960s New York perfectly captures an era, its music and the nearly forgotten artists who made it all possible.

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